CABLEGRAMS.

Western Star, 23 March 1920, Page 3

CABLEGRAMS.

LONDON, March 17. Latest telegrams via Copenhagen indicate that there were grave developments and bloody fighting on Tuesday night at Spandau between the soldiers and Communists. Sixty-five were killed and a large number wounded. The position last night in Berlin was most serious. A general rising by the Socialists, is feared. The Independents and Communists proclaimed n republic and sent Dr. Kapp a list of their ministry together with an uitimaitum. Kapp replied by declaring that martial-law would be drastically enforced. The pickets throughout the city have been strenghtened. All citizens must be iu-doors by nightfall. Hindenburg assumed the role o; peace-maker and) telegraphed to Ka;-; urging the withdrawal of the troop: and dissolution of the new Cover meat provided early elections artheld. Hindenburg sent Ebert «i cop of the telegram. Earlier Berlin messages agreed that both the old and the new Governmenthad most to fear from a renewal <. Spartacist outbreaks- Dr Kapp star - ed yesterday that he had put aside negotiations with the old Government in order to concentrate against the Communists. His Government expected a revolt immediately. Stuttgart telegrams state that extreme radical developments have begun at Solingen, Essen and elsewhere in Rhineland. The Spartacists are only awaiting the opportunity to seize power and declare a dictatorship. A Soviet has been established, in several places, including Stuttgart. The Spartacists are relying on the support of 2000,000 Russian prisoners still in Germany. A violent agitation in favour of » Soviet republic and an alliance with Russia has been begun in Berlin by Independent Communists. Yesterday’s trouble was originated by the workmen charging the military who were marching in the Brunnerstrasse playing patriotic airs, several being killed and wounded. Workmen at Strassburg, eastward otf Berlin disarmed the town militia.

The Spandau casualties were almost entirely confined to civilians. Fights in other parts of the Berlin, district continue, including the inner portion near the Castle, where eight wore killed andi twelve were woundeed. The streats of Berlin arc brilliantly illuminated at night as ai precaution against a Communist outbreak. Tiebitsch Lincoln has warned foreign journalists that it is perilous to frequent the streets at nigh time. Tne city is quiet. A complete genera! strike continues. Aeroplanes hover over the city all day long dropping proclamations exhorting the citizen-; to remain loyal to the old Government. LONDON, March IG. The situation in ■ Germany is still confused. Telegrams {from Stuggart, deny that the Bauer Government is negotiating -with Kapp. Bauer tie dares that Kapp must resign unconditionally. Kapp, on the other hand, asserts that Mayer left Stuggart with proposals for a compromise. The latest telegrams from) Berlin show the agreement between Ebert and -Kapp published officially yesterday only amounts to proposals which Kapp sent to Stuggart, but Ebert, Noske, and Bauer declined to consider them. The collapse of Kapp’s party is regarded as complete. Thera is much less military display at Berlin, where the people are greatly relieved. There, was street fighting all night at Hanover. Armoured cars swept through the streets firing on the 'crowds, while the inhabitants replied from windows. There were many casualties. Violent and bloody anti-Kapp demonstrations took place at Stettin. A Kiel telegram states that fightr between students and soldiers ai workmen continued throughout Tim; day, in which many were killed. It is now believed, that Kapp 1.-v fled to East Prussia. The garrison at Wilhelmshaven 5". volted . and imprisoned the whole of the officers’ of the corps, numbering 400, because they sympathised with Kapp.